Chelsea’s hopes of making the 2018/19 Champions League suffered a mortal blow when Tottenham roared back from a goal down to secure a 3-1 triumph – their first at Stamford Bridge in nearly 20 years.
Spain striker Alvaro Morata rose highest on the half-hour mark to nod the hosts ahead with his 14th goal in 40 appearances.
But Spurs refused to be cowed on a ground in which they last won in February 1990. Denmark playmaker Christian Eriksen’s dipping shot levelled things up in first-half injury time, before England attacking midfielder Dele Alli rose to prominence after the break.
The 21-year-old first converted defensive midfielder Eric Dier’s delightful long ball and then found the back of the net from a goalmouth scramble.
The result left Chelsea eight points off Spurs in the fourth-and-final Champions League qualification spots with just seven games remaining.
Here are our player ratings:
CHELSEA (3-4-2-1)
Willy Caballero – 5: A hamstring injury for Belgium No1 Thibaut Courtois put Caballero between the sticks. Looked leaden footed for Eriksen’s stunner.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5: Was a guilty part along with Christensen for Alli’s decisive first goal. You expect better from the Spain utility man.
Andreas Christensen – 5: A difficult 2018 continues for the Denmark centre-back. Just like Barcelona and Manchester City, his decision making keeps costing his team.
Antonio Rudiger – 6: Played a few fine cross-field balls to Moses in the first half. Only Kante made more tackles for the men in blue.
Victor Moses – 6: Was impressive in attack and teed up Morata’s header with an inviting centre. Later survived one heart-in-mouth moment.
Cesc Fabregas – 5: This is a poor season for the Spaniard. Dominated by Dier and Dembele, his pass accuracy of 75.5 per cent was unacceptable.
N’Golo Kante – 7: As always, did his work in the middle. Made most tackles on pitch and even saw one thumping drive blocked.
Marcos Alonso – 6: Left wing-back had three presentable chances, but did not make most of them. Hooked for a greater attacking threat.
Eden Hazard – 5: A mixed bag. Made most key passes with six, but made no telling contribution. Badly fouled by Belgium team-mate Vertonghen.
Willian – 6: It’s now two scoreless games after registering four goals in the previous three. A deflected strike was repelled well by Lloris.
Alvaro Morata – 7: Dropped Spain striker has two goals in two games after going 13 without one. Spring for header was brilliant.
SUBS
Olivier Giroud – N/A: Ex-Arsenal centre forward was not given enough time to make an impact.
Emerson Palmieri – N/A: His second Premier League appearance won’t live long in memory.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 6: The 17-year-old got a brief taste of a London derby.
